Devices and methods for minimizing and treating high-altitude sickness

ABSTRACT

A device and method for treating high-altitude sickness can include a handheld device, and can deliver a therapeutic amount of nitric oxide to an individual&#39;s lungs in order to minimize or treat high-altitude sickness. The device is self-contained and portable, which allows an individual to carry and use the device in high-altitude or other low-oxygen environments.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/541,144, filed on Aug. 13, 2009, which claims the benefit of prior U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/090,617, filed on Aug. 21, 2008, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This description relates to devices and methods for minimizing and treating high-altitude sickness.

BACKGROUND

Exposure to low oxygen environments, typically found in high altitudes, may cause an individual to develop high-altitude sickness. High-altitude sickness can be relatively mild to life-threatening. A relatively mild form of high altitude sickness is acute mountain sickness, which is characterized by symptoms such as, but not limited to, headaches, breathlessness, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, or sleeplessness. Life-threatening forms of high-altitude sickness include high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) and high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE). HAPE is characterized by symptoms such as pulmonary hypertension, increased pulmonary capillary permeability, and hypoxemia. HACE is characterized by changes in behavior, lethargy, confusion, and loss of coordination.

Typically, a mild case of high-altitude sickness is treated with rest, fluids, analgesics, or dexamethasone. More severe cases of high-altitude sickness can be treated with oxygen, hyperbaric therapy, or descent to lower elevations. While oxygen and hyperbaric therapies and descent to lower elevations provide relief from high-altitude sickness, these treatments have shortcomings. For example, oxygen therapy requires heavy, gas bottles that are difficult to carry in higher elevations. Hyperbaric therapy is less than ideal because this treatment requires specialized equipment and is labor-intensive. Lastly, descent to lower elevations may be not possible due to environmental factors or the poor physical condition of the individual. Accordingly, there remains a need for treatments of high-altitude sickness.

SUMMARY

Briefly, and in general terms, various embodiments are directed to methods and devices for minimizing and treating high-altitude sickness. The high altitude can be an altitude greater than 8,000 feet above sea level, greater than 10,000 feet above sea level, greater than 12,000 feet above sea level, greater than 14,000 feet above sea level, greater than 16,000 feet above sea level, greater than 18,000 feet above sea level, and higher.

According to one method, a therapeutic amount of nitric oxide (NO) is delivered to an individual's lungs when the individual is at high altitude. The delivery can take place before, during or after the onset of symptoms of high-altitude sickness. NO is inhaled continuously or intermittently for a few minutes to one or more days. In another method, air, oxygen-enriched air, or substantially pure oxygen may also be delivered with NO to treat high-altitude sickness.

The various methods of minimizing and treating high-altitude sickness may be carried out by one or more delivery devices disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a lightweight, handheld device permits self-administration of NO gas. The device includes a reservoir containing nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), a conversion cartridge coupled to the reservoir, and a patient interface coupled to the conversion cartridge. In one embodiment, the reservoir contains liquid dinitrogen tetroxide (N₂O₄), which is in equilibrium with NO₂ and serves as a liquid source of NO₂. In another embodiment, the reservoir stores a therapeutic amount of NO gas in nitrogen, air, oxygen-enriched air, or substantially pure oxygen. The conversion cartridge converts NO₂ into NO as NO₂ passes through the conversion cartridge.

Optionally, the delivery device may include a pump to deliver NO to an individual. The delivery device may also include a heating element associated with the conversion cartridge (and optionally the reservoir) in order to keep the device at operating temperatures in cold weather environments. Alternatively, the liquid N₂O₄ reservoir and the conversion cartridge are worn close to the body, so as to remain at a constant temperature above about 5° C.

In another embodiment, the delivery device is a stand-alone gas bottle having a conversion cartridge and a patient interface. Optionally, the delivery device includes a recuperator provided in the gas plumbing line prior to the patient interface. The patient interface may be a respirator, ventilator, nasal cannula, or mouth piece. The patient interface also may include a gas bag or other temporary gas storage device. According to one embodiment, the delivery device includes a housing that operably couples the gas bottle to the conversion cartridge. In another embodiment, the housing includes a regulator gauge and valve for adjusting gas pressure from the gas bottle. Additionally, the housing includes an integral handle that enhances the portability of the delivery device.

In yet another embodiment, a conversion cartridge for converting nitrogen dioxide into nitric oxide is disclosed herein. The conversion cartridge includes a body having a first end and second end. The body contains a surface-activated material saturated with an aqueous solution of an antioxidant that converts NO₂ into NO. The first end of the body is sized to engage a source of NO₂, N₂O₄, or NO, and the second end of the body is engagable with a patient interface or direct patient contact.

Other features will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate by way of example, the features of the various embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of one embodiment of a NO delivery device.

FIG. 2 is a side view of another embodiment of a NO delivery device.

FIG. 3A is a block diagram of a cartridge that converts NO₂ to NO.

FIG. 3B is a block diagram of another embodiment of a cartridge that converts NO₂ to NO.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of another embodiment a NO delivery device.

FIG. 5 is a side view of yet another embodiment of a NO delivery device.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a diffusion tube.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Low oxygen environments such as those in high altitude locations reduce the partial arterial pressure in the lungs which can consequently lead to acute hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction (HPV) and hypoxemia (deficiency in the concentration of dissolved oxygen in arterial blood). HPV is a physiological phenomenon in which pulmonary arteries constrict in the presence of hypoxia (low oxygen levels) without high carbon dioxide levels, redirecting blood flow to alveoli with higher oxygen tension. HPV may have profound hemodynamic consequences, including a reduction in cardiac output, pulmonary edema and right ventricular failure, but it is reversible if adequate alveolar oxygenation can be re-established.

In the early phase of exposure to high altitude, signs of acute mountain sickness (AMS) may develop and have been shown to be worsened by aggravating hypoxemia, although the precise mechanisms of AMS is not clear. AMS is defined as a headache in an un-acclimated person who has recently arrived at an altitude above 3000 m plus and the presence of one or more of the following: a) gastrointestinal symptoms like anorexia, nausea or vomiting, b) insomnia, c) dizziness and d) exhaustion or fatigue. It is the most common type of high altitude sickness, typically developing symptoms within 6 to 10 hours. The importance of AMS lies in its early recognition as it may progress to High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE), clinically identified with lack of coordination of muscle movement, altered consciousness or both in a person suffering from AMS.

High Altitude Pulmonary edema (HAPE), a more dangerous outcome of hypoxemia, accounts for most deaths from high altitude sickness and 44% of untreated cases. Most cases appear on the second and third day of arrival at high elevation and are more frequent in young, fit climbers or trekkers. Symptoms consist of shortness of breath with exercise, progressing to shortness of breath at rest, a dry cough, weakness and poor exercise tolerance. As the disease worsens, pulmonary edema is obvious, followed by coma and death. As in other high-altitude sicknesses, the incidence of HAPE is related to the rate of ascent, the altitude reached, individual susceptibility. Even mild HAPE can have a pronounced effect upon exercise intensity, finding even the simplest task exhausting.

The management of high altitude sickness requires correction of hypoxemia and interventions to reduce pulmonary arterial or cerebral pressure. The most effective treatment is descent to lower altitude. Currently, there is no approved treatment for altitude induced hypoxemia when immediate descent is not possible.

Various embodiments are directed to methods and devices for minimizing and treating high-altitude sickness. Generally, nitric oxide (NO) is inhaled or otherwise delivered to the individual's lungs. NO is used to minimize symptoms and/or prevent high-altitude sickness. Providing a therapeutic dose of NO would supplement or minimize the need for traditional treatments including, but not limited to, oxygen therapy or rapid descent to lower elevations to treat symptoms of high-altitude sickness. Additionally, NO treatment allows the individual to sustain higher levels of physical activity in higher elevations. For example, a hiker would be able to continue ascending a mountain or a soldier can maintain stamina and performance during high-altitude combat operations. Alternatively, NO may be provided to pilots and passengers in the event of a loss in cabin pressure. Optionally, a combination of NO and pure oxygen, oxygen-enriched air (e.g., approximately 90 to 99.9 percent oxygen), or pure oxygen may be used to treat high-altitude sickness.

Home oxygen therapy is administered to many people who cannot get enough oxygen from the air. This treatment is effective, but the patient's mobility is limited since the treatment requires bulky and/or heavy equipment such as a home oxygen generator, a gas bottle containing pressurized oxygen, or a bottle that contains liquid oxygen, which is vaporized into the gaseous state just prior to inhalation. Accordingly, a light, portable device for delivering NO with air has the potential to improve a patient's quality of life. The device may be powered by a small, battery-driven pump or by patient inhalation (similar to smoking a cigar). Additionally, a treatment providing NO (e.g., converting N₂O₄ into NO) would be more cost effective than oxygen therapy.

Currently, approved devices and methods for delivering inhaled NO gas require complex and heavy equipment. NO gas is stored in heavy gas bottles with nitrogen and no traces of oxygen. The NO gas is mixed with air or oxygen with specialized injectors and complex ventilators, and the mixing process is monitored with equipment having sensitive microprocessors and electronics. All this equipment is required in order to ensure that NO is not oxidized into nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) during the mixing process since NO₂ is highly toxic. However, this equipment is not conducive to use in a non-medical facility setting (e.g., combat operations or remote wilderness) since the size, cost, complexity, and safety issues restrict the operation of this equipment to highly-trained professionals in a medical facility.

In contrast, the delivery devices disclosed herein are self-contained, portable systems that do not require heavy gas bottles, sophisticated electronics, or monitoring equipment. Additionally, the delivery devices are easy to use and do not require any specialized training. Moreover, the delivery devices allow an individual to self-administer a NO treatment. The delivery devices are also lightweight, compact, and portable. According to one embodiment, the NO delivery device is the size of a cigar or a conventional inhaler for one-time use or short-term treatments. Alternatively, the NO delivery device is a larger device, yet portable device that can deliver NO for longer periods of time.

As shown in FIG. 1, the NO delivery device 100 includes a reservoir 102. Generally, the reservoir 102 supplies NO lasting a few minutes to one or more days of continuous use, depending upon the method of storing the NO. In one embodiment, the reservoir 102 stores a therapeutic amount of NO₂ that is converted into NO. The therapeutic amount of NO is diluted to the necessary concentration and stored with air, oxygen-enriched air, or substantially pure oxygen. In another embodiment for long-term use for many days, the NO is stored as liquid dinitrogen tetraoxide (N₂O₄) in a diffusion tube of a permeation tube that is vaporizable into NO₂, typically, which in turn, is converted into NO.

In various embodiments, the reservoir 102 is sized to hold a few milligrams to tens of grams of liquid N₂O₄. For short-term treatments, the reservoir 102 is sized to contain a few milligrams of N₂O₄. For example, the reservoir 102 may be sized to hold approximately 7 mg of N₂O₄ (1), which would provide 20 ppm of NO for ten minutes. For long-term applications, the reservoir 102 may be sized to contain 10 or more g of N₂O₄ for long-term use such as several weeks. For example, a reservoir containing approximately 0.3 g of N₂O₄ may provide 20 ppm of NO at 20 L/min. for 24 hours, and a reservoir containing 10 g of N₂O₄ would provide a continuous supply of NO for approximately 30 days. In other examples, the reservoir 102 is sized to hold less then 1 ml, 2 ml, 3 ml, 4 ml, 5 ml, 10 ml of liquid N₂O₄.

FIG. 1 illustrates the conversion cartridge 104 directly coupled to (and detachable from) a patient interface 106. In one embodiment, the patient interface 106 is an integral piece of the conversion cartridge 104. For example, one end of the conversion cartridge 104 may be molded and shaped as a mouth piece or nasal cannula. In another embodiment, patient interface (not shown) is simply an opening at the second end of the conversion cartridge 104. In yet another embodiment, the second end of the conversion cartridge 104 is shaped and sized to receive gas tube plumbing (or other conduits known or developed in the art) that includes a mouth piece, nasal cannula, face mask, or fully-sealed face mask.

As shown in FIG. 1, the reservoir 102 is connected to one end of the conversion cartridge 104 in linear orientation. In other embodiments, the reservoir 102 is approximately perpendicular to cartridge 104 or the reservoir is angled with respect to the cartridge. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 1, the various components 102, 104, 106 are directly coupled to one another. It is also contemplated that one or more of the components of the device 100 may not be directly connected together. For example, referring to FIG. 2, varying lengths of gas line plumbing 112 (or other conduits) may be used to connect the various components 102, 104, 106 of the device 100. In FIG. 2, the patient interface 106 is not directly connected to the conversion cartridge 104, but the patient interface is connected to conversion cartridge via gas line plumbing 112. This approach would be used, for example, in temperatures below freezing so that components 102 and 104 can be stored under clothing to maintain the temperature above freezing. Ideally, the component 102 needs to be held at approximately a constant temperature which can be maintained by being in contact with the body or in close proximity to the body. If component 102 contains liquid N₂O₄, then in order to maintain a constant concentration of NO, it should be maintained at approximately a constant temperature. This is best carried out by keeping component 102 in close proximity to the body.

FIG. 3A illustrates one embodiment of a conversion cartridge 104 that generates NO from NO₂. The conversion cartridge 104 also may be referred to as a NO generation cartridge, a GENO cartridge, or a GENO cylinder. The conversion cartridge 104 includes an inlet 105 and an outlet 110. In one embodiment a particle filter 115 is located at both the inlet 105 and the outlet 110, and the remainder of the cartridge 104 is filled with a surface-active material 120 that is soaked with a saturated solution of antioxidant in water to coat the surface-active material. In another embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 3B, the particulate filter 115 may be in the form of two concentric annular filters with the surface-active material 120 placed between the two annular filters. In this embodiment the gas flows from the inside of the annulus to the outside, or vice versa. In another embodiment, the surface-active material 120 and the filter material 115 are cast into one solid matrix as a sintered tube. In the examples of FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, the antioxidant is ascorbic acid.

In a general process for converting NO₂ to NO, an air flow having NO₂ is received through the inlet 105 and the air flow is fluidly communicated to the outlet 110 through the surface-active material 120 coated with the aqueous antioxidant. As long as the surface-active material remains moist and the antioxidant has not been used up in the conversion, the general process is effective at converting NO₂ to NO at ambient temperatures.

The inlet 105 may receive the air flow having NO₂, for example, from a pressurized bottle of NO₂, which also may be referred to as a tank of NO₂. The inlet 105 also may receive an air flow with NO₂ in nitrogen (N₂), air, or oxygen (O₂). The inlet 105 may also receive the air flow having NO₂ from an air pump that fluidly communicates an air flow over a permeation tube 235 containing liquid N₂O₄, such as in the device 200 of FIG. 4. The conversion occurs over a wide concentration range. Experiments have been carried out at concentrations in air of from about 0.2 ppm NO₂ to about 100 ppm NO₂, and even to over 1000 ppm NO₂. In one example, a cartridge that was approximately 5 inches long and had a diameter of 0.8-inches was packed with silica gel that had first been soaked in a saturated aqueous solution of ascorbic acid. Other sizes of the cartridge are also possible. The moist silica gel was prepared using ascorbic acid (i.e., vitamin C) designated as A.C.S reagent grade 99.1% pure from Aldrich Chemical Company and silica gel from Fischer Scientific International, Inc., designated as S8 32-1, 40 of Grade of 35 to 70 sized mesh. Other similar sizes of silica gel also are effective, provided that the particle size and the pore size within the particles are similar.

The silica gel was moistened with a saturated solution of ascorbic acid that had been prepared by mixing up to 35% by weight ascorbic acid in water, stirring, and straining the water/ascorbic acid mixture through the silica gel, followed by draining. It has been found that the conversion of NO₂ to NO proceeds well when the silica gel coated with ascorbic acid is moist. The conversion of NO₂ to NO does not proceed well in an aqueous solution of ascorbic acid alone.

The cartridge filled with the wet silica gel/ascorbic acid was able to convert 1000 ppm of NO₂ in air to NO at a flow rate of 150 ml per minute, quantitatively, non-stop for over 12 days. A wide variety of flow rates and NO₂ concentrations have been successfully tested, ranging from only a few ml per minute to flow rates of up to 5,000 ml per minute. Using an annular cartridge, flow rates of up to 60,000 ml per minute have been used. The reaction also proceeds using other common antioxidants, such as variants of vitamin E (e.g., alpha tocopherol and gamma tocopherol).

The antioxidant/surface-active material GENO cartridge may be used for treating high-altitude sickness. In one such example, the GENO cartridge may be used as a NO₂ scrubber for NO inhalation therapy that delivers NO from a pressurized bottle source. The GENO cartridge not only scrubs the NO₂ but converts the NO₂ back into NO gas, which is then inhaled by the patient. This cartridge is also referred to as a recuperator. This GENO cartridge may be used to help ensure that no harmful levels of NO₂ are inadvertently inhaled by the patient. Additionally, the GENO cartridge ensures that the patient is receiving the entire NO dose as NO gas and not as the toxic form, NO₂.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a delivery device 200 having a gas permeation cell 235. In general, a flow of air is passed through a gas permeation cell 235 having liquid NO₂ and its dimer N₂O₄ (collectively, 236). The permeation cell 235 also may be referred to as a permeation generator, a permeation device or a permeation tube holder. A diffusion tube may also be used instead of a permeation tube. The air flow exiting the gas permeation cell 235 includes gaseous NO₂, which is converted to NO gas by a NO generation cartridge 104. The NO gas mixture may be delivered to a patient for inhalation therapy, for example, using a mask or a cannula. The concentration of NO in the NO gas mixture delivered to the patient may be controlled by controlling the temperature of the gas permeation cell 235 or the air flow rate of the pump.

According to one embodiment, the permeation cell or the diffusion tube 235 is designed to release NO₂ at a steady rate such that the gas stream leaving the permeation cell or the diffusion tube contains about 20 ppm of NO₂ at a flow rate of approximately 20,000 ml per minute, when the temperature of the permeation cell or the diffusion tube is approximately 20° C. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, maintaining the temperature of the permeation cell 235 or the diffusion tube helps to control the concentration of NO delivered to the patient.

Optionally, the delivery devices 100, 200 may include a pump 103 to move NO₂ gas from the reservoir 102 or the permeation cell 235 through the conversion cartridge 104. The pump 103 may be battery operated, solar powered, or crank powered. Alternately, NO₂ gas is drawn through the conversion cartridge 104 (and the diffusion or permeation cell 235) by the individual applying a suctioning force at the second end of the conversion cartridge. In another embodiment, the reservoir 102 is a high pressure vessel containing compressed gas. When a valve (not shown) is actuated, NO₂ gas is expelled from the reservoir 102 through the conversion cartridge 104, thereby converting the NO₂ gas into NO prior to inhalation. In those embodiments where the reservoir 102 stores NO, the conversion cartridge 104 ensures that any inhaled NO is devoid of NO₂.

In another embodiment, the delivery devices 100, 200 may also include a heating element for use in cold weather environs (e.g., less than approximately 5° C. or those temperatures in which the antioxidant-water combination would freeze and or the N₂O₄ would freeze). The heating element is associated with the conversion cartridge 104 or the gas permeation cell 235. The heating element may be electrically, chemically, or solar powered. Alternatively, the conversion cartridge 104 or the diffusion tube are strapped or otherwise held close to an individual's body in order to utilize the individual's body heat to keep the conversion cartridge and the diffusion tube at operating temperatures (i.e., those temperatures that where NO₂ has sufficient vapour pressure and ascorbic acid-water remains a liquid), and to ensure that the dose of NO is adequate.

FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of a delivery device 300. The delivery device 300 includes a stand-alone gas bottle 302 having a conversion cartridge 304 and a recuperator 306. The stand-alone gas bottle 302 may contain NO₂ in nitrogen, air, or oxygen-enriched air. NO₂ gas may be diluted to a therapeutic dosage in the stand-alone gas bottle 302 or liquid NO₂ and its dimer N₂O₄ may be contained within the bottle. The outlet of the bottle is coupled to a regulator having a gauge 308 and a valve 310. As shown in FIG. 5, the regulator 308 is a component within a body 312 that includes a handle 314 and a port (not shown) for engaging a conversion cartridge 304. As shown in this device, a recuperator 306 is placed within the gas plumbing line 316 just prior to the patient interface 318. The recuperator 306 converts any NO₂ gas that may have been formed in the patient interface 318 back into NO gas. As shown in FIG. 5, the patient interface 318 is a nasal cannula, but it is contemplated that the patient interface may be a mouth piece, a cannula, ventilator, a gas bag, or face mask.

FIG. 6 is a diagram of one type of diffusion tube 801 that can be used. The reservoir component 806 and the narrow bore tube, component 804 are manufactured from a material that is not attacked chemically by N₂O₄ and NO₂. Stainless steel is a suitable material. The interior of reservoir 806 of the diffusion tube 801 has a spherical shape and the tube 804 extends into the reservoir 806 for the purpose of preventing the liquid N₂O₄, component 803, from being transferred into the tube. This arrangement allows the device to function at any orientation and to withstand vibration. Component 805 is the narrow bore capillary tube that connects the reservoir 806 with the environment. The diameter and length of the tube define the diffusion rate from the diffusion tube if the temperature remains constant.

The various embodiments described above are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the claimed invention. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize various modifications and changes that may be made to the claimed invention without following the example embodiments and applications illustrated and described herein, and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the claimed invention, which is set forth in the following claims. 

1.-25. (canceled)
 26. An apparatus, comprising: a reservoir configured to be filled with liquid dinitrogen tetroxide to a maximum fill level and having a gas space configured to be filed with gaseous nitrogen dioxide; a narrow-bore diffusion tube fluidically coupling the gas space of the reservoir to an exterior of the reservoir, a first end of the narrow-bore diffusion tube protruding into the reservoir such that the first end of the narrow-bore diffusion tube remains above the maximum fill level regardless of orientation of the reservoir; and a conversion cartridge fluidically coupled to a second end of the narrow-bore diffusion tube, the conversion cartridge configured to convert nitrogen dioxide into nitric oxide. 